Lieutenant-Colonel Chesley G. Peterson and Major Oscar H. Coen of the 4th Fighter Group in conversation in one of the buildings at Debden air base. Lieutenant-Colonel Peterson sits at a desk, Major Coen on a free-standing stove. Passed by the U.S. Army on 30 March 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson, D.S.O., D.F.C., U.S. Army Air Force 4th (crossed through with censor's red pencil) Group Britain, who formerly commanded the old Eagle Squadron, seen at an Air Force station somewhere in England with his flight group.' And '23480. (Left to right) Lt. Col. Chesley G. Peterson and Major Oscar H. Coen, are very pleased with results after a raid. S&G SR.'

Chapters taken from “A First Class Group – The 1939-45 war experiences of S/Ldr W.G. Curtin O.B.E (Mil’y) in 11 Group and 83 Group RAF Operations rooms” ( by Simon M. Curtin), and relating to his time at Debden with the Eagles Squadrons

Col Chesley Peterson (leaning over map) with members of Eagle Squadron. The Photograph was signed "Best from Pete" and was in the memorabilia collection of Sq Ldr William "Bill" G Curtin OBE RAFVR, who was Controller in the Operations room at Debden for the Eagles Squadrons 1941-43. Also identified in the photograph: Major Oscar H. Coen is 1st left and Captain W.T. O’Regan is 4th from Left

Flight Lieutenant Chesley Gordon Peterson of No 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF, at North Weald, Essex following his award of the DFC. In August 1942 Peterson transferred, was promoted to full Colonel at the age of 23, and commanded the 4th Fighter Group until 1943.
IWM Photo [Partial] CH 3738.

Acting Sqn Leader Chesley Gordon Peterson, DFC. - No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF.
Distinguished Service Order Citation:
“This officer has completed a large number of sorties over enemy-occupied territory. He has at all times displayed high qualities of leadership and courage which have contributed materially to the fine fighting efficiency of his squadron. During the operations over Dieppe, Squadron Leader Peterson destroyed a Junkers 88, bringing his victories to 6. His devotion to duty has been outstanding.” Peterson spoke to reporters after his March 10, 1943 investiture by King George at Buckingham Palace. "I got the gong for my part in the Dieppe raid. I went in three times and ended up in the drink, coming back to England by boat."

Whilst serving with No. 71 Eagle Squadron, he was promoted to Flt Lt - the first American in the Eagle Squadrons to be promoted above the enlisted rank of Pilot Officer.
In October 1941 he received the RAF Distinguished Flying Cross, and in November that year he became Squadron Leader at the age of 21.
With the entry of the U.S. into the war, he eventually transferred to the USAAF with the 4th Fighter Group based at Debden. The transfer was completed on 12 September 1942, when the 4th Fighter Group was officially activated. Peterson was made a Major upon transfer. A month later he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
On 15 April 1943 he had to bail out of his P-47 about 30 miles from the English coast when his plane caught fire. He was later picked up and returned to base. In August 1943 he became Commander of the 4th Fighter Group replacing Colonel Anderson, becoming the youngest Colonel in the USAAF. In October he was promoted to full Colonel at the age of 23. He was retired from flying duties, having completed 200 flying sorties, and left to serve as Combat Operations officer for the 9th Air Force and was credited with seven enemy aircraft destroyed. He stayed in the service until retirement as a Major General in July 1970.

Service

People

Military | Squadron Leader | Fighter ControllerWilliam G Curtin joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1938, where he trained at Hornchurch, Essex to become a flight controller, working in the operations room. He was stationed at Hornchurch throughout the Battle of Britain, when the station came under...

Units served with

GroupSome of the pilots of the 4th Fighter Group had seen many hours of combat by the time they joined the 4th Fighter Group as they had volunteered with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Air Force. The three 'Eagle Squadrons' of RAF Fighter...

Squadron The 334th Fighter Squadron was the successor to No. 71 Eagle squadron of the Royal Air Force when the 4th Fighter Group was activated on 12 September 1942. They were based at Debden Field, Essex. The "Fighting Eagles" as they were called, flew...

Squadron'On 19 September 1940, No. 71 was reformed at Church Fenton as the first 'Eagle' Squadron to be manned by American personnel. The Squadron received Hurricanes in November and became operational on defensive duties on 5 February 1941. No. 71 converted...

Associated Place

Military site : airfieldRAF Debden, construction of which began in 1935, is perhaps most famous as a Battle of Britain fighter airfield, partly responsible for the defence of London in 1940. In 1942 it was also home to three RAF 'Eagle Squadrons’ of volunteer American pilots...

Military site : airfieldUsed as an RFC and RAF Home Defence landing ground during the First World War, Kirton-in-Lindsey was built during 1938-40 as an RAF fighter station. It had two grass runways, 10 hardstandings, three grouped C hangars and four over-blister hangars....

Military site : airfieldOpened in 1917 as home to the RFC Aeroplane Experimental Unit, Martlesham Heath became well known during the 1920s-30s as home to the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment. Used as an RAF fighter station from 1939, with only a grass airfield...

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Roll of Honor, Losses of the 8th and 9th AFs Vol. I by Bishop and Hey, p. 103, Aces of the Mighty 8th by Scutts and Stanaway pp. 102-103, National Gravesite Locator